YES! I HAVE FINALLY UPDATED! I truly am sorry that this his taken so long and I beg that you will forgive being such a terrible person! I have only 4 days of my teaching practice left so I can actually do something beyond planning and fortunately for you that means the long awaited chapter 13!
It is slightly longer than usual and has taken me forever to write but at last it is done so I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: As much as I wish they were my own, they belong to JA!
Chapter 13
Georgianna Darcy sighed gently to herself as she looked out at the impending storm clouds which gathered over Pemberley. She re-read the letter that was clutched tightly in her hand. The letter was from Mr Preston and she had read it many times since its arrival three days ago. The sentiments that it contained had touched her deeply and were already stained by the tears she had shed over them. She had ceased to shed those tears but her heart still ached at the separation from the gentleman she had come to love.
An air of unhappiness seemed to have descended upon Pemberley and Georgiana found it most oppressive. She had been very surprised at her brother's departure from Pemberley one week ago, she could not fully comprehend why he had chosen now, of all times, to go to town. She had watched as Elizabeth's countenance changed dramatically since Darcy's departure and pondered on what could have produced such an event.
It pained her greatly to see her brother and sister so unhappy and torn apart by grief but their seemed to be no solution to the unhappy situation that the residents of Pemberley now found themselves in. She watched as the sky darkened, reflecting her mood. She looked down at the letter and sighed as she slipped into her Bible, her eyes falling to a verse in Romans, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." She knew this verse not just by heart but in her heart. Re-reading the verse, she felt reassured that somehow, these trials would produce something of a more positive nature.
Georgiana realised what it was that she needed to do and in that moment, put aside her own happiness, thinking only of reuniting her brother with his wife.
That afternoon found Elizabeth standing by the window in an upstairs sitting room. The fine prospect from this window was one she favoured highly despite the dark storm clouds overhead. She moved away from the window as the rain began to fall and opened her work box. She frowned at her embroidery, a handkerchief for her sister Mary's birthday. It would not so, she resolved to unpick it and start again. She had never been one for embroidery, infinitely preferring a walk or a book but had taken to her work to appease her mother. On removing the handkerchief in question, she upset the box, causing it's contents to scatter across the floor. As she bent down to recover the lost items, her eyes fell upon a piece of white cotton. She picked it up and sat down, spreading out on her lap, revealing it to be small gown whose embroidery had yet to be completed. Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears as she recollected the article, a gown for her child, the onset of labour preventing Elizabeth from completing this work of love. Elizabeth could bear the pain no longer, and, burying her face in the tine gown, wept as though she had never wept before.
It was in this state that Georgiana came upon her sister. She hurried to Elizabeth's side and embraced her tightly.
"Elizabeth, what is wrong?" she exclaimed.
"Nothing my dear, it is simply recollections of the past," Elizabeth replied, hastily returning the gown to her work box.
Georgiana took a deep breath, she did not wish to upset Elizabeth any more but she feared that if she did not speak now, she would not find the courage to do so in the future.
"Elizabeth," she began, "I - I wish very much to talk to you of a most important matter."
"Why yes, of course. What troubles you?"
"Oh, dear sister, I pray that you will forgive me for the intrusion but I cannot remain silent. I - I wish to understand what has occurred between my brother and yourself."
"Georgiana, I -"
"Please, let me finish. I know I cannot possibly understand the pain of losing a child but it grieves me to see you and Fitzwilliam estranged. Elizabeth, please, let me urge you to consider the consequences of such an estrangement, do not let it eat away at your love for one another."
Elizabeth was somewhat shocked at the younger woman's speech and she struggled to keep her quick temper in check, not wanting to cause any injury to a much loved sister.
"I - perhaps Mr Darcy should have considered the consequences before leaving Pemberley," she replied bitterly.
Georgiana, a little shaken by Elizabeth's response, was undeterred, "Fitzwilliam is only human, he acted hastily, as his temper dictated. I know my brother, his anger does not allow him to think clearly."
"Georgiana, I do not understand how you can think so well of him."
"It is quite simple; he is my brother."
"Aye, indeed he is but what of the pain he has caused you in refusing consent to Mr Preston's offer? Does that not affect your opinion of him?"
Georgiana paused, her face colouring slightly, "I - I must admit that I was a angry at first but such anger could not last long, I cannot be angry long with someone I love so very much. I have forgiven him the pain he has caused, he truly did believe that he was doing the best thing."
"Georgiana, I cannot understand how you can forgive when he has grieved you so."
"It is simple," Georgiana began, choosing her words carefully, "I have forgiven Fitzwilliam because the Lord has forgiven me for the many transgressions that have grieved Him. How can I not forgive my brother when God has shown me such mercy?"
"Georgiana, this is no time to speak of God. He has taken my child from me, where is He now?"
"Lizzy, I cannot say why God chooses to take those we love from us, sometimes there seems no reasons but this I do know: Everything happens for a reason, though it may grieve us deeply, God does not intend to hurt us but to teach us more about His love. It may not seem possible but I do believe that in the future, something good will come from this unhappy situation."
Elizabeth frowned and looked away, not wishing to acknowledge that Georgiana may be correct in her meditations.
Georgiana continued, "I - forgive me sister, you are so very dear to me and I have come to love you as much as I love my brother and this is why I say this. God has not left you, He never will, you simply have to look for Him." Georgiana observed Elizabeth closely before rising and taking her leave to attend to her practice on the pianoforte.
Elizabeth was overwhelmed by Georgiana's words uncertain of how to react, perhaps she did need to look for God. She looked down at the gown on her lap and her eyes filled with tears again as she fled from the room.
The following days were quiet for the two ladies, neither seemed particularly inclined to converse beyond the necessary civilities. Georgiana was fearful that Elizabeth would never speak to her again and was beginning to regret the words that she had spoken. She found herself retreating more often to her pianoforte and into Pemberley's extensive library which was where she was located by Elizabeth on a warm afternoon.
"Elizabeth? Has something happened?"
"No, no, do not worry yourself, I simply wished to tell you that I am going to take a walk. It is such a beautiful day, it would be a shame not to."
"It would indeed, where do you intend to walk, should anyone call while you are gone," Georgiana enquired.
"I believe I shall walk towards Lambton."
"So far?"
"I doubt I shall reach Lambton, I often find myself diverted by everything around me!"
"I hope you enjoy your walk."
"Thank you Georgiana, I shall be back soon."
The recent storm had restricted Elizabeth to Pemberley's grounds and this fine afternoon was a blessing for she had a great need to gather her thoughts and try and make sense of the situation in which she found herself.
Having fastened her bonnet, she took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fresh air and, with a smile, began her walk. She felt at ease amongst the beauty of Derbyshire's countryside and turned on to a small path that led into a small copse. She had discovered within it a small glade shortly after her arrival at Pemberley and quickly established it as her own personal haven. Elizabeth found her way carefully along the narrow path and the treacherous roots that threatened to cause her to stumble but she soon reached her haven. She looked around her, amazed at the dappled sunlight as it shone through the canopy above and onto the ground below. She had seen this many times before but somehow, this time it seemed different. She had always been touched by the beauty of nature and for a moment, it distracted her from the turmoil of her mind. She sat down on a fallen tree as her thoughts drifted back to her husband.
She reluctantly admitted that she missed him, Pemberley was different without him, almost empty. Despite the anger she had felt, she missed him deeply, but to forgive him? She sighed and stood up, deciding to leave the copse and continue her walk. She knew she should forgive him, Georgiana had been wise in her words that day but she did not know how without re-living the pain.
"What would Georgiana do?" Elizabeth asked herself in frustration, reflecting on the younger girl's words. Her thoughts turned to those of a more divine nature when she was suddenly distracted by a voice crying her name. She turned to find one of Pemberley's servants approaching with some speed and considerably urgency.
"Yes Davis, what is it?"
"Mrs Darcy, forgive me for disturbing your walk but Miss Darcy urged me to bring this note to you immediately."
Elizabeth was surprised at this but took the missive and quickly opened it, her eyes widening in shock as she read it.
My dear sister,
I am sorry for bringing your walk to an end but I beg you, dearest Lizzy, you must return to the house as soon as possible. An express has just arrived from my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam which contains such dreadful news I can barely write. There has been an incident, he does not give the details, but my brother has been seriously injured and the Colonel urges us to travel to town as soon as we can. Elizabeth, please make haste.
Yours etc
GD
Elizabeth could hardly breathe as she finished the missive and turned on the path and set off at a brisk pace towards Pemberley.
Elizabeth burst through the door, into the hall to find Georgiana waiting for her, her trunk already packed. On seeing Elizabeth, Georgiana threw herself into her arms, sobbing violently,
"Oh Lizzy!"
Elizabeth held Georgiana close to her, stroking her hair to soothe her. Georgiana gradually became quiet and pulled away to look at Elizabeth , her eyes rimmed with red.
"Oh, I thought you would not be found soon enough! I - I - oh we must go to town directly!"
"Georgiana, calm yourself. Come, let me read the express from Colonel Fitzwilliam, I must know the details."
Elizabeth took the paper from her sister's hand and read it quickly, before Georgiana handed her another, unopened missive.
"This was addressed to you-"
Elizabeth took this new missive and opened it swiftly, her countenance darkening as she read its contents.
London, 18-
My dear Mrs Darcy,
By now I expect that you will have received the news of my cousin's situation and I ask that you do not reveal the contents of this letter to Georgiana for I do not wish to distress her any more than is necessary.
I shall be frank with you Mrs Darcy for I expect that you will be in great haste to come to town but I wish to divulge the particulars. Whilst in town, Mr Darcy happened upon your youngest sister, Mrs Wickham in great distress caused by the desertion of her husband. Darcy, on learning this, vowed to find the scoundrel and return him to his wife. On discovering him, a fight ensued and Mr Wickham produced a knife. You can imagine madam what has happened, be assured Darcy is alive but gravely ill so I urge you to come to town immediately.
Yours etc,
R. FitzwilliamElizabeth folded the letter before turning to Georgiana, "I shall call my maid to pack my trunk, we shall leave within the hour."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Elizabeth could remember very little of the journey to London, her mind consumed by the thoughts of what could become of her husband. They travelled though the night, only stopping when necessary and after two days of travelling, they approached the smoke and dirt of the city. As they drew closer to town, Elizabeth's thoughts turned to her last encounter with Mr Darcy. She prayed fervently that the hurtful words that they had exchanged would not be their last words but a great sense of foreboding filled her heart. The thought that they may never be reconciled caused the tears the threatened to spill and she wept bitterly.
Georgiana, who had been sleeping, awoke to the sound of Elizabeth's sobs and instinctively took her hands in her own, "Elizabeth? What troubles you?"
"I - I am scared Georgiana. I fear that Fitzwilliam will die, that we will never be reconciled. Oh!" she exclaimed, "I do not know what I shall do! Georgiana, I love him so very dearly, I truly regret my thoughtless words…" she began to weep again. Georgiana's heart was touched by the honest admission of her distressed sister and spoke softly,
"I believe you shall be reconciled and I know that Fitzwilliam loves you and would wish for you to be at his side. Come, we are here."
Elizabeth dried her eyes and recollected herself before stepping out of the carriage. She and Georgiana entered the house together where they were greeted warmly by Colonel Fitzwilliam, "Mrs Darcy, Georgiana, I trust your journey was comfortable."
"Yes, thank you-"
"Please Richard, let me to my brother," Georgiana interrupted impatiently.
"Why, yes, Martha will show you but-"
But Georgiana had departed, not waiting, even for Elizabeth. The Colonel offered Elizabeth his arm as they followed more slowly. Elizabeth took the proffered arm gratefully, "I thank you for your kindness but I can go no longer without enquiring after my sister."
"I understand madam. I wrote to your uncle, Mr Gardiner, informing him of the situation and he has been good enough to take Mrs Wickham and her daughter into his home."
"And-"
"And Mr Wickham is safely stowed away in Newgate and there he shall remain with any luck."
Elizabeth paled at the thought of Wickham's prolonged stay in that well known prison, "And my parents?"
"I believe your uncle has written to them." He paused as they reached the door to Darcy's chamber, "he has been asking for you. He spoke a little of what has passed between you and I believe he regrets what has occurred, indeed he has been miserable without you!"
Elizabeth blushed and averted her eyes, not willing to discuss that matter.
"Forgive me Mrs Darcy." The Colonel opened the door and let Elizabeth enter.
Elizabeth gasped as she saw Darcy, eyes closed and face pale in the large bed. Georgiana stood up and guided Elizabeth to the chair beside the bed.
"The doctor says he is out of danger but is still very unwell," she looked down and brushed a lock of hair off his face.
Elizabeth sat down and took his hand in his and here she stayed, not noticing as Georgiana left, nor as night fell.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
The following morning, Georgiana returned to find Elizabeth asleep in the armchair. She watched as Elizabeth stirred, opening her eyes slowly and stretching out her limbs.
"Elizabeth, you have not eaten since we arrived, please will you take some breakfast?"
Elizabeth felt her stomach groan and reluctantly agreed, leaving the room.
Georgiana took her seat by Darcy's side, gently stroking his cheek. She quickly withdrew her hand as his eyelids fluttered open to meet hers.
"Georgiana…."
"Shh, I am here now."
"Where is Lizzy?"
"Do not fear, she is here. She has not left your side all night."
Darcy's eyes roamed about the room in search of the woman he loved. Georgiana laughed softly, "I have urged her to have some breakfast, indeed she was reluctant but I do not think she could ignore the protests of her stomach, I am surprised they did not wake you!"
Darcy smiled at the thought before returning his gaze to his sister, "Georgiana, can you ever forgive me for the pain I have caused you?"
"There is nothing to forgive. I am thankful that you are alive Fitzwilliam."
"You are too good to me Georgiana."
They both turned as the door opened and Elizabeth re-entered the room. Georgiana discreetly moved away from the bed, allowing Elizabeth access to Darcy's side. No words were spoken as the couple allowed their eyes to meet. As they held each other's gaze, they both knew where they belonged. No words were necessary for them to know that they belonged side by side no matter what may come to pass.
Oooh, I am mean, not having a fluffy reunion but I think this is more meaningful……..
Please review, I'm hoping to post this story on so all comments are welcome so that I can make the necessary adjustments.
I will hopefully get the epilogue posted before Christmas!